Government to replace grid-powered streetlights with solar systems nationwide – Agbodza

The government of Ghana has unveiled plans to replace traditional, electricity-dependent streetlights with solar-powered alternatives nationwide, according to a statement by Minister for Roads and Highways, Govern Kwame Agbodza. This strategic shift aims to enhance the reliability of public lighting across the country. Speaking on the matter, Agbodza emphasized that solar-powered units can function independently, thereby minimizing the impact of faults on individual streetlights.

He further announced that all new road construction projects and streetlight replacement works would now prioritize solar-powered systems, with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, led by John Abdulai Jinapor, spearheading the nationwide transition. Agbodza stated, "Government has taken a decision to replace all streetlights with solar.

With solar, even if one is damaged, the others can work." This move signifies a comprehensive transition to solar energy for street lighting, marking a significant departure from the reliance on the main grid. He also clarified that the recent malfunction of traffic lights at the Tema end of the Accra-Tema Motorway was not due to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), as initially speculated.

Investigations revealed that the underground cables serving the traffic-light system had been removed, necessitating a new contractor to rewire the system entirely. The Minister went on to highlight that the transition to solar-powered streetlights would not only provide a more resilient lighting system but also lessen dependence on the national electricity grid.